last edited Aug 13, 2020
Things to Do in the Massif Central
Location Map of Massif Central
Massif Central
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Travel Themes
- Interests (out of ): Nature / ; Culture ; Relaxation-holidays
Nature-Adventure
Culture
Relaxation-Holidays
By Department
Interest level for each department:
| Nature | Culture | Relaxation-holidays | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allier | / | ||
| Cantal | / | ||
| Corrèze | |||
| Creuse | / | ||
| Haute-Loire | / | ||
| Puy-de-Dôme | / | / | |
| Haute-Vienne |
By Department
Highlights and special features of the region's departments.
Allier
Allier is a department of rivers, hedgerows, and low mountains, perfect for those who love the countryside. It also offers some historical remains (castles, churches) and interesting urban centres (Moulins, Montluçon, etc.). Allier is also a spa destination, with the town of Vichy being the foremost example.
Cantal
Easily associated with the Massif Central, its landscapes, countryside, and ancient volcanoes, Cantal remains the flagship destination for nature lovers in this part of France. Just the Cantal Mountains, the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, and a few "puys" (Griou, Mary, etc.) offer plenty to see and do, especially when combined with medieval castles and villages (Salers, Tournemire, etc.).
Corrèze
At the gateway to the Massif Central, Corrèze is a rural department ideal for those seeking "peaceful holidays," with the discovery of the Plateau de Millevaches and its range of nature activities, both in summer and winter. It also features some old and "beautiful villages of France," mainly in the south of the department, the most famous—and remarkable—of which is Collonges-la-Rouge.
Creuse
Very sparsely populated, Creuse is a "countryside" department like its neighbours, perfect for green tourism, with the Lake Vassivière as its most visited site. A few abbeys and castles are also worth seeing for their cultural value.
Haute-Loire
One of many rural departments in central France, Haute-Loire attracts a primarily French and family-oriented clientele. While nature is very present with its range of specific activities, there is also a certain cultural heritage, notably through several communes labelled "plus beaux villages de France."
Puy-de-Dôme
This is the "land" of the Auvergne volcanoes, the Monts Dore, and a few puys, along with several lakes and gorges like those of the Sioule. In short, the department is a nature destination par excellence, offering many outdoor activities in both summer and winter, with several ski resorts. Additionally, Puy-de-Dôme is home to beautiful castles and medieval villages to discover...
Haute-Vienne
A nature-focused department with parks and lakes, the most famous of which is Vassivière. It will delight eco-tourism enthusiasts. However, Haute-Vienne also boasts a certain historical and cultural heritage, notably Limoges, which deserves a thorough visit, several medieval castles (Chalucet, Coussac, etc.), the village of Mortemart classified among the "plus beaux villages de France," and above all Oradour-sur-Glane, which remains one of the key sites of "memory tourism" in France.
Thalassotherapy and Wellness
Hiking
Hiking on Foot
Cycling
Horseback Riding
Skiing and Winter Activities
Outdoor Sports
